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Armada AR6 2006

These were a great learning ski. It made rails a lot easier having a soft and flexable ski to try them on. Jumps were sketchy sometimes because of washing out on landings because of how soft they were but other than that, they were a great jibbing ski. Looking back now, I wish I still had them for urban. They were super light and felt like there was barely any ski underneath you. The graphics were cool to me as well. I like how the whole ski was covered in art.

i ski the eastcoast. Whiteface to be specific.. and there is a large variety of terrain here: trees, powder (yeh we got some believe it or not), steeps, ICE, packed, crud, pipe, rails, and park. i can not picture a better ski for what i do (everything) maye the ARV, but i can tell you that this ski kills it everywhere.. turns are easy to innitiate, even when mounted at center.

Design

graphics are dope. i only wishi could have gotten the purple chick in the white bikini from the previous AR5 graphic, at the top of the ski. super lightweight until i mounted FKS' on em.Â now they are just really lightweight

Value

i paid $350 for them at the end of the 07 season, and i feel i ripped off the store i bought from.. great deal. as for retail, i say a good price

Fit

being 5'10&quot; at the time i got these, i felt as if 181s would be a little big. i was wrong, being so lightweight, i would handle these better than my 169 PEs. now 6', i wish armada would make a 186..Â

Characteristics

i ski the eastcoast. whiteface to be specific... and there is a huge handfull of terrain here. trees, powder (yeh whiteface does have powder somethimes), steeps, ICE, packed, crud, pipe, park. i could not picture a better ski for what i do (everything). maybe the ARV, but ill tell you, this ski ki

Durability

abuse: lots of rails, boxes, ice, dirt, rocks, trees, flat landings, 4 urban days, dropping one ski of lift, and ski rack abuse... all occuring in a 100 day period with 50 days out on the mountain. Â Â damage: dulled edges, topsheet chips. maybe i got lucks, but these are freakin bombproof.

These skis are an amazing ski for a beginner park skier who is just getting into park but still loves to ski the rest of the mountain.&nbsp; They had just the right flex for me, and my only complaint was the cosmetic damage of the topsheets, which did not change my skiing experiences on them whatsoever.&nbsp; I highly recommend these skis, and hope that whoever gets them when I sell them for longer skis will have just as much fun as I did.

Performance

This ski performed excellently for me; this was my first year in the park and it helped me learn a lot of the basics.&nbsp; I found them to be really light (I mounted with z12's so that probably helped also) and great for spinning as well as hiking.&nbsp; They were very stable on rails, and was also perfect for skiing the rest of the mountain.

Design

The graphics on the AR6's are sick, in my opinion, they are much better than the 08 graphics.&nbsp; The artist MadSteez drew the paintings that inspired the design of the skis. I also like the placement of the Armada logo on the bases, and the white sidewalls were cool as well.

Value

I got these last summer new for $300 shipped, they're probably a lot cheaper now.&nbsp; It was a decent deal at the time, and I'm reselling them for $150 (to get some longer sticks) after a season's worth of use, so I think that $150 for a pair skis for 50ish days in a season is very reasonable.

Fit

They fit just like they were supposed to, I moved up from my 159 PE's to 166 AR6's, and mounted them -1 from true center.&nbsp; I now realize that I should have gotten longer skis, but that was completely my mistake and had nothing to do with the company.&nbsp; While riding them, I found that at 150 lbs. I could flex them about as much as I wanted to, and had no problem keeping them in control at high speeds.

Characteristics

The AR6's were flexy enough to butter and have fun, but not so flexy that they had trouble when I ripped down the mountain.&nbsp; My previous skis were Public Enemy's, and I found that these were a lot flexier than those, but not as flexible as Fujatives or Invaders.&nbsp; In other words, the perfect flexibility for an up-and-coming rider.

Durability

The bases held up very well, only 1 small core shot, and that was completely my fault.&nbsp; Also the same with the edges, no edge cracks, and only a small dent from when I hit a rock.&nbsp; The topsheets however, leave a little to be desired.&nbsp; They chip a lot more than any other skis I know, but it doesn't affect performance at all, just leaves some pretty ugly white gashes along the sides of the tops of the ski.

This is a great one ski quiver for someone who does maybe 60/40 park/all-mountain. I would like a rounder flex pattern if I were skiing it primarily out of the park, but if that's what you're looking for, get the ARV, as it has exactly that. Other than that this ski is one of those skis that seems to make skiing fun again, no matter how long you've been skiing. If you're skiing mostly park, look at something softer through the entire ski. However, if you're looking for something that can hold its own in the park and then go shred trees, bumps and steeps, definitely look at this ski.

Performance

I mounted these with PX12s at +2.5 from the recommended line.

My first thought on my first run on these things was that the factory tune is VERY hooky. Get these detuned tip and tail! Beyond that, they seemed to carve pretty well considering the forward mount. They are also very fun to hop around and jib around with.

My first run was actually down one of the bunny slopes at my mountain that actually goes through a big tree filled area. The run itself is clear of trees, but jumping off piste and hitting natural log jibs and kickers was major fun.

After this, I hit one of the smaller parks here to hit a few small jumps. The forward mount made these very stable in the air, and they were very confidence inspiring when getting airborne. Spinning, I found no problems with them. These skis aren't THE lightest ski out there, but swing weight is pretty light so spinning is pretty easy.

After this, I decided to try them out all mountain. I hit some open trees and after getting used to the extra tail, I was flowing through trees and bumps with no problems. I also hit a few drops, and again they were really good in the air. I don't think with a forward mount these would have enough tip for powder, but I have a dedicated powder ski already, so it's not an issue for me.

Today I skied some more park and some jibby/kicker type stuff and they were better than day one. The ski is so stable in the air and solid on the landings. It also jibs and maneuvers through flowy terrain really well. I don't think any more than +3 is neccesary unless you are only skiing park. I bought this ski for mostly park and jumping and jibbing. At +2.5 it does all of that well and more. Overall I'm really stoked on this ski. It's making me want to get up on the hill everyday now.

Design

Graphics are standard armada - off the hook. The construction is good and the ski is well put together.

Value

I got mine on sale, at $550 or whatever these retail, these are a bit pricy, but if I had the cash they would be well worth the money.

Characteristics

This ski has a flex that is very conducive to park and all mountain skiing. Both the tip and tail are soft, yet poppy. Once you get into the actual running surface area of the ski, it becomes pretty stiff, allowing you to power through chop and variable snow.

Durability

So far just a few little bits at the edge of the top sheets, and I expect this to happen on a sandwich construction ski. Other than that no chips on the actual topsheet and the edges have held up really well.

This is my favorite ski I have ever had, they perform perfect on huge kickers, all mountain riding, rails, and riding switch.
i have mine mounted 2 cm back from true center
they even perform in deep powder (2-3 feet) better then the ar5 because of the 85mm waist.

the perfect ski
for anyone riding park, but also spends some time out of the park.

Design

The new graphics are sick on the ar6 line, the skis is soft when you need it in the park and solid out of the park

Value

I got mine end of season for $350, i would have paid $500 easy for them though.

Characteristics

The flex is perfect for nose butters and nose presses along with perfect pop for huge tables

Durability

so far they have been great (only riden on them 5-7 times) a few marks but nothing any other skis dont do.

Armada did it, they met my complaints about the ar5 being to park oriented for an all mountain ski and by widening it up and stiffening it up a little bit they made a ski that can kill the whole mountain without loosing any of the park performance the ar5 had... the Ar6 is finally a true all mountain ski and performs very well all over the mountain

Performance

In my review of the ar5 my main performance complaint was that it just didn't live up to the "all mountain" name which armada gave it, the ar6 has happily gotten a little bit wider and a little bit more stable and is now a respectable all mountain ski, at low speeds its a little "twitchy" but once you get it up to speed it loves to carve and shread the whole mountain, I am super stoked that the Ar6 is FINALLY a true all mountain ski and not just a noodley park ski...

Design

Mad steeze graphic, pretty flashy, like the white sidewalls, bowie on the tip is dope(in the 181).... good looking ski for sure...

Value

for an all mountain ski its a little bit pricey, but when you put it up against a ski like the karma, or foil its competitively priced to the competition.

Characteristics

Feels a little bit stiffer then my previous ar5's... which is nice because it gives it a bit more of a stable feel and makes it more all mountain oriented then its predecessor...

Durability

has been holding up fine so far, armada actually waranateed my 2 year old ar5's(which were way out of warantee) so I am not considered about durability because I know armada backs there gear...

only thing that could improve these would be a little more sidecut maybe just to make them a little more fun to mess around on, but otherwise they are perfect. If you have any questions definately feel free to drop me a pm.

Performance

I have them mounted at -2 cm from true center which I find to be perfect. They carve better than my old public enemies, they are pretty light for their size (181s) and the width is a perfect blend for park and all mountain, they are fun and manuverable in the park, but still float decently considering where they're mounted.

Design

dope graphics as usual from armada. Construction is fairly solid. The top sheet chips quite easy, but nothing serious. The edges and base are super burly. Yesterday I rode through a field of rocks dusted with snow and to my happy surprise found that they got nothing but some light scratches, not even a big gouge let a lone core shot.

Value

Sick deal. If you ask me this will do everything the karmas will do, for like 150 less or whatever the difference is. Basically the competition for this as an all mountain and park ski are the public enemy and karma. Karmas are not worth the extra money in my opinion considering the ar6's performance, and they're only $50 more than the PEs which is a worthile upgrade if you ask me. They are also cheaper than the thalls so even for an all park ski I'd go with ar6s unless you are very light, becuase they have the same dimensions only differences is that the thalls have a softer and slightly lighter core.

Characteristics

stiff at first, but I've ridden them for about 10 days now and they have softened up a little. I love the flex they're at now, I'm 175 lbs and it still takes a bit of work for me to tail butter, and tips are a bit softer.

Durability

already covered above, but yea topsheets chip no biggie, they dont chip down to the core or anythin like some invaders have been doin. rediculously thick edges and a solid base.

Good, flex, light weight, polyvalent and mostly durable these skis are very good and perform like a beast in the park. You wont regret your purchase trust me they own the park from the rails to the park passing by the big air. Take care of them because they deserve it back from the performance and the fun they give you.

SUGGESTIONS: If you plan to use them as a carving ski (not recommended) be sure to mount them backwards the center or else they'll slide on the snow. If you're more like me and want to destroy the park wih them enjoy them as muchn as possible by mounting them true center to have more stability on rails and be more conformtable riding switch. Make your choice.
Buy light bindings to have more pop and enjoy the relaively light weight of the skis.

ENJOY!

Performance

SPEED: Even if armada made a special ski designed for speed like the Pipe Cleaner that possess a race base, The ar6 won't disapoint you on this aspect. They are very fast and fast enough to go downhill and have a lot of control even switch at high speed so they offer good speed checks equally. They dont stick as much on melted snow as my pub en in spring so whatever the weather they offer good performance.

SWITCH: As long as you centermount them like me, you'll have no trouble riding switch. Its so smooth that i see no difference in the performance of these skis while i ride either regular or swich, they're good at both and you feel very conformatble riding them in any ways.

CARVING: Compared to the public ennemys they less perform on this side; when you're on groomed slopes or a little bit icy trails, you'll feel the bad point of it witch is the only one i observed throught my skiing. I weight 140pounds and ive got the 176, when you try to carve at LOW SPEED either switch or regular and you're leaning your body on the side they wont grip very well on snow and they will go in different ways so you'll fall until you re not used to them. But when you Carve at HIGH SPEED, they offer the same performance as any other ski and they handle very well when you have enough speed and your enough good to carve and lean your body so your shoulders are almost touching the ground. If you're about to use them for carving (not recommended) mount them backwards from the center because i centermounted them and regret it on carving but i'm happy on rails because the tail doesnt grip well and slide when you make your turns but it does the same wth any other centermounted ski, make your choice.

POWDER: Theses skis are 86 wide so they are very polyvalent all over the mountain. When you deicide to ride fresh powder you'll see that they seem to float on the snow. Not only they float but they carve well and gives you great time in the pow when you turn and drop cliffs.

PIPE: Armada actually made the Pipe Cleaner especially for pipe but it does bother me about hitting the pipe with the ar6 witch perform a lot, maybe not enough speed and carve as the Pipe Cleaner but they still destroy the pipe from the beginning to the end. Also for pipe, maybe you'll found them too much wide(ar6 86, pipe cleaner 82) but it wasnt a problem for me they worked well on the walls and stick to them.

JUMPS: for the jumpsyou cant ask better, great pop, a lot of flex that allows you to land normally some trick youve land on your ass before because they propulse you forward. Alot of stability either switch or regular and they are lighter than my pub en. When its for big airs, you cant go wrong with these skis. For the

RAILS: Also very good because they're made for that, if you want more facility hitting the rails be sure to centermount them and their flex make nice butterslides and tail slides. The base of this ski is very resistant to rail problems. My pub en. broke because i was too rough with them and the metal rod on the edge of the base (dont know how to call it in english) split in two parts so the skis were prety much scraped. The most resistant ski produced by Armada on rails.

FLATGROUND: Like i said before, the great flex of the ar6 favorise flatground tricks like manuals and things like that. Light enough to throw 360 or even 540 on the ground depends of your spin and your binding weight.

Design

Armada and the Madsteez team knew to attract our attention on the unique Armada graphic witch is belong me the best graphics on the market. These artists created nice designs on each size of the ar6. Also the carve on the side of the ski is not so big so be sure to plan to make more park than carving with these.

Value

I got them for 630$ CAN at my local shop with no deal and i consider that to any of my previous skis they are a lot more nice on every terrain of the mountain, it is a very polyvalent ski on every aspects of the sport.Compared to the other year skis that are mostly over 700 its is a great purchase. Considering their durability its a good price but im sure you'll be addicted and need to buy next years armada because they are so much cool and unique skis.

Characteristics

I love the flex of these skis, the wood core allows a lot of pop and a good potential for ollies and nollies witch is nice when you try flatground tricks especially manuals. Whats great about the flex is that like the Trouble Maker when you ass-land a 360 or any air trick the tail of your skis flex and propulse you forward to land normally to avoid breaking your ass on your bindings. Compared to my public ennemys, they have a lot more flex that gives you the opportunity to butterslide very well.

Durability

The graphics are recovered by a nylon top sheet that protects the graphic but this topsheet is really «scrathable» and after one day of skiing they were scratched more than my other skis, but i guess it depends of you. Also they have a vertical sidewalls witch is a great design but has an inconvenience of chipping alot. After the first day when i removed the snow on them in the chairlifts it was enough to chip them. Plastic chips are not rare on the sidewalls of these skis and i'd say its the second incovenience to these with the carving performance.